The Bible, Wisdom and Human Nature
cultural contexts of the human writers, and how these issues shaped the ideas conveyed and the words used. When applying Scripture to the counselling situation, it can be recognised that Scripture was not primarily intended to be a counselling manual! As such, it is important to make explicit a methodology which gives a rationale as to why certain aspects of Scripture are used as opposed to others. Hughes is not clear regarding the reason for his starting place as compared to other possibilities. Additionally, it would also be helpful to make clear one’s interpretive approach to any text used, but again, Hughes is not explicit about his method in this regard. This may be a function of the popular level at which he writes, but it does weaken his case when scrutinised at an academic level as the above important issues are foundational aspects which inform counselling methodology.
Relating theology and psychology In order to provide a pragmatic organising structure to this section, four differing views on integration will be outlined, compared and critiqued. Each view is to be found within the book, Psychology and Christianity: Four Views, edited by Johnson and Jones. These views are in turn articulated by four ‘major voices’ in this field as evidenced by their academic backgrounds, longevity of involvement and various major honours and posts held within the psychology, counselling and theology professions. A second reason for this book’s usefulness is its deliberate dialogical structure in which each contributor critiques the other three, thus clarifying similarities and differences between the approaches. With one exception (Roberts), it parallels and builds upon Kirwan’s previous ideas regarding four approaches to integration, which are as follows: 1. The ‘unchristian approach’ sees no contribution from theology to psychology when formulating therapy. Psychology is viewed as fundamental and comprehensive – no need for divine revelation.
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